Not a week had passed since the Blue Jackets’ last victory against the Wild, but substantial changes to Columbus’ lineup put the team in an unfavorable position.
Despite being plagued with injuries to Marc Methot and Jared Boll, the Blue Jackets powered through the setbacks to notch a 3-1 victory in Minnesota.
Columbus tried its best to blend lines and create favorable matchups. Ryan Johansen, who had been a healthy scratch in recent games, found time with Jeff Carter. On the blue line, James Wisniewski wasted no time hoping back on the power play unit.
Minnesota started the scoring at 14:28 of the first period when Devin Setoguchi recorded his 14th goal of the season. But the 1-0 lead did not hold for long as R.J. Umberger tied it up in the final minute of the frame.
Both goals came during a heavily offensive period in which the teams combined for 25 shots, with the Wild holding a slight advantage.
In the second period, Umberger tallied another goal in the final minute of the period to give the Blue Jackets a 2-1 lead. Rick Nash and Wisniewski picked up assists on the power play goal.
Nash registered two assists on the night, giving him five points in four games.
The Wild’s potent offense continued to dictate play into the waning moments of the game, but Steve Mason prevailed in the crease for Columbus. Mason, earning his first victory in seven starts, made 34 saves in the contest.
The Blue Jackets relied on their goaltender for the majority of the third period as they were outshot 15-2 in the final 20 minutes.
Wisniewski, who returned after missing 17 games with a broken ankle, iced the game with an empty netter at 19:21 of the third period.
Columbus kicks off a three-game homestand Sunday evening against the Anaheim Ducks.
mm938910@ohiou.edu
